The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) sets objectives for water quality and for ecology, which are to be realised in 2015. Basic principles in the directive are water management based on river basins and the "combined approach" of emission limit values and quality standards. Main instrument in the WFD is the River Basin Plan containing Programmes of measures to attain the goals on a river basin scale. The WFD requires emission controls, permits and/or best environmental practice for point and diffuse sources, such as industrial and agricultural emissions in to the water system. A progressive reduction of pollution from priority substances and cessation of emissions, discharges and losses of priority hazardous substances into the water system is required. The priority substances are to be added to the EU priority list (Directive 2008/105/EC). A distinction is made between the approach for priority substances (including the priority hazardous substances) and for dangerous substances in general. Priority substances and other dangerous substances relevant at the national or river basin level are to be incorporated in the river basin plans and the necessary measures. However, implementation of the measures for both types of substances in national legislation is the responsibility of the individual Member States.

The objectives of the project are:

-    To define the relationship (complementary and competition) between IPPC implementation and WFD implementation from the scope of permitting, enforcement and data collection. Also other relevant directives are taken into account e.g. priority substances directive (2008/106/EC) and urban waste water treatment directive (91/271/EC).

-    An inventory of problems and best practices in the member states, with regard to permitting, enforcement ,data collection and data collection systems.

-    Provide recommendations for competent authorities to contribute to better implementation and enforcement of the WFD requirements and the (reviewed) IPPC directive, to contribute to better performance of environmental inspections and permits in the Member States.

Definition: The project will be undertaken in two phases:

·    Phase 1 (2010):
Study on the relationship between the IPPC directive, the WFD and other adjacent legislation. The conclusions of IMPELS report on the inter-relationship of the IPPC Directive with other Directives (2006) can provide a basis.

Phase 2 (2011):
Identifying best practices through the use of a questionnaire and  holding a workshop resulting in recommendation on the implementation of WFD and IPPC Directives

Participants: This project will be lead by the Netherlands (Water management Inspectorate) and Austria (Austria Lower Government).

During the cluster 1 meeting in April 2009 and the general assembly several countries have indicated they want to participate in this project. It is important to have a core group of about 5 or 6 different countries, representing both northern and Mediterranean MS.

For the gathering of the information and the workshop a large group of participants is required. (about 35 participants from all IMPEL members, and EC, including core team members).

Participants are permit writers and inspectors involved in regulating industrial emissions (eg. both water and environment from one member state can add value). They need to be familiar with WFD and/or IPPC requirements. Experts in the field of priority substances, emission control, monitoring, and data management are welcomed. Also water/environmental managers with a more broad and integral view. Preferably in the composition of the team the various river basins should be represented.

Project team: Core team:

-    The Netherlands Water management Inspectorate, Florence EIZINGA and Henri EMOND.

-    The Environment Department of Administration of Lower Austria Government, Christof PLANITZER.

-    Min. three representatives from other member states (preferably a mix of people with a water background and people with an IPPC background). Also a geographical diversity (new/old MS, river basins) is desired.

Start: Phase 1: January 2010; Phase 2: January 2011

Final report: October 2011